Harry Redknapp knows Theo Walcott’s game, having given him his professional debut for Southampton over a decade ago. Thus, he understands what a critical season this is for the England international and his Arsenal career. Speaking to talkSPORT, Redknapp discussed Theo’s best position as well as the importance of finding regular playing time at the club:
Theo needs to have a season of playing. He doesn’t get in the Arsenal team regularly. He really needs to have a big season and show us what he is capable of doing.
The former Spurs boss went on to say that he believes while Walcott is capable of playing through the middle, as is his well-known preference, he is more effective coming in from the right side, where Arsenal fans are accustomed to seeing him. Redknapp’s point was supported by Walcott’s two-goal performance in a mere 30-minute substitute appearance against San Marino Saturday evening, in which he played on the right-hand side.
Gooners will hope that Walcott’s goalscoring for England will carry over to the club, as he has had a slow start to the Premier League season, with three appearances and no goals or assists. Injuries have cut Walcott’s season short the past 2 seasons, and Redknapp emphasised the importance of a regular run of games in Walcott’s development.
He is a great talent, he is a great athlete, he has got fantastic pace, but he needs to play 20, 30 games on the spin now and have a real run at it.
Walcott will get his next chance to acquire both a bit of form and a run of games when Arsenal travels to the Britannia to take on Stoke City this Saturday at 15:00 local time.
